Controversial Issues
The Muslim scholars have differed regarding certain issues pertaining to fasting that have not been addressed thus far.
What must a person who does one of the things that nullify fasting, such as eating or drinking do, believing the break of dawn has not commenced, or the sun has set when they have actually taken place? The Imaams of the four schools of thought (may Allah have mercy on them) are all of the opinion the day must be compensated for by fasting another day after Ramadan.
The correct opinion (and Allah knows best) is the day needs not be made up as per the verdict of Ishaaq ibn Raahawih, ‘Urwah, Al-Hasan Al- Basri, Maajid, Daawud, ibn Hazm, ibn Taymiyyah, and others, may Allah have mercy on them. Their proof is the people during the Khilaafah of ‘Umar (r.a) broke their fast, some moments later, the sun appeared. The people asked whether they should make up this day, at which ‘Umar (r.a) responded by saying: “No, by Allah, we did not have any inclination towards a wrongful action.” (collected by Al-Bayhaqi) In addition there is the hadith found in Saheeh Bukhari where Asmaa’ (r.a) said: “We broke our fast on a cloudy day during Ramadan at the time of the Messenger of Allah (SAW), then the sun appeared.”
Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah shower him with his mercy) said: “This suggests two things: firstly, it suggests that it is not recommended to delay the fasting despite the clouds until one is certain about the sunset… Secondly, it is not obligatory to make up the day, for if the Prophet (SAW) had ordered them to make up that day, this would have been widely known, just as the news of the breaking of their fast was widely circulated. Hence, since we do not have any mentioning they were ordered to compensate for that day, the ruling is he (SAW) did not command them to do so." (see Fiqh-us Sunnah)
From amongst the things the scholars differed about also is the use of nose drops, ear drops, eye drops, intravenous injections, and eye liner. A group of scholars ruled these are from amongst the nullifiers of fasting, and a person who uses any one of these must make up for that day. The correct opinion (and Allah knows best) is these things do not nullify fasting, and no compensation is required. This verdict was derived at by Abu Hanifah, Shaafi, Daawud, ibn Al-Munzir, ‘Ataa, Al- Hasan Al-Basri, An-Nakha‘i, Al- Awzaa‘i, Abi Athawr, and from amongst the companions, ibn ‘Umar, and Anas ibn Maalik. Tirmidhi said, “there is nothing authentically mentioned by the Prophet (SAW) about this.” Ibn Taymiyyah gave the same ruling regarding this.
Water entering into the stomach as a result of sniffing or rinsing out of the mouth has also caused controversy amongst scholars. The correct opinion is the fasting is not broken, as this has occurred as an unintentional mistake. This is the ruling adopted by Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Ishaaq, Abu Thawr, and it is also the opinion of sheikh Al-Qaradaawi and others. With regards to sniffing water, known as istinshaaq (douching), The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Exaggerate while performing istinshaaq, except when you are fasting.” (Abu Dawud, Ahmad and Tirmidhi). This means that this action is considered as mukrooh (undesirable) when fasting.
Puffers used for asthma do not break the fast, according to a number of scholars. This is because it is considered as compressed gas that goes to the lungs – it is not food, and it is needed at all times, in Ramadan and other times.
Apart from what has been mentioned so far under the different factors nullifying fasting everything else a person does while fasting is either mubaah (allowable), or it is from the things that are pardoned, and Allah the Exalted knows best.
Commonly Quoted Weak Hadiths
In conclusion, there are many famous prophetic traditions circulating during this noble month that are da ‘if (weak), which should be pointed out so that people are made aware of them, and as a piece of advice.
“…A month, whereby the beginning of it is mercy, the middle of it is forgiveness, and the end of it a savior from the Hellfire…” (Al-Silsilah al-Da ‘ifah (The Series of weak hadith) for Sheikh Albaani)
“Whoever fasts Ramadan in Makkah, and performs what he is able to from qiyaam (night prayers), Allah records for him (the reward) of one hundred thousand months of Ramadan apart from it…” (ibid)
The hadith about the two women who’s fasting was broken due to gheebah (slander). Because backbiting in Islam is compared to eating at the flesh of people, it is mentioned that these two women forfeited their fasting as a result of their actions. (ibid)
“If you fast, then perform siwaak in the morning, and not in the afternoon…” (ibid)
“Whosoever does not fast one day in Ramadan without any excuse or illness, will not make up for it, even if he fasted all of his life.” (ibid)
“Do not say Ramadan, for Ramadan is a name from amongst the names of Allah, however, (you should) say the month of Ramadan.” (Fatah al-Baari for ibn Hajar)
“The fasting person is in a state of worship, even if he is sleeping on his bed.” (Al-Silsilah al-Da ‘ifah - Sheikh Albaani)
“The sleep of the fasting person is ‘Ibaadah (worship), his silence is tasbeeh (glorification of Allah), his du ‘a (supplication) is accepted, and his sins are forgiven.”(ibid)
“If the slaves (of Allah) knew what was in Ramadan (in terms of virtues), my Ummah (nation) would have wished that it was for the whole year.” (ibid)
“Fast and you will become fitter.” (Al-Silsilah al-Da ‘ifah (The Series of weak hadith) for Sheikh Albaani)
We ask Allah Most High through His beautiful and greatest names and attributes to bless us with the strength that will enable us to remember Him, glorify Him, and extol Him throughout this sacred month and throughout our lives – Aameen. And Allah knows best! Al-Hamdu-lillaah, and peace and blessing be upon His Messenger Muhammad.